Dive Into Unforgettable Adventures
Come and visit Gulf Coast Expeditions and get to enjoy the best manatee encounters, tours, and more in Crystal River, Florida. Book your tour online today!
Gulf Coast Expeditions is a family and veteran owned small business specializing in small group, guided Manatee snorkeling tours. Our company is dedicated, not only to an excellent customer service experience, but to the preservation of the Florida Manatee and its environment. We work closely with US Fish and Wildlife to ensure that we are conducting our tours in a safe, responsible and educational manner. In addition, our captains and guides are USFWS volunteers and actively participate in manatee rescues and releases, as well as cleanups and other volunteer efforts.
We Were Voted Best of Florida!
We are so thrilled to be considered one of the best Regional Vacation Destinations in Florida alongside Everglades National Park, The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum), Kayak Excursions – Bunche Beach, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, and Universal Orlando Resort!
Unique Manatee Encounters
Swim with gentle manatees.
Pristine Snorkeling Spots
Explore Florida's fresh water springs.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Support marine conservation efforts.
Your Underwater Adventure Starts Here
Join us for an unforgettable journey into Florida's underwater world. Secure your spot for lasting memories and unparalleled experiences.
Why Our Customers Love Gulf Coast Expeditions!
Answers to the Most Common Questions
The manatees are more active early in the morning and there are fewer boats on the water, so you have the best chance of a more interactive experience on our morning tours.
Our manatee trips are 3 hours long but in water time varies from thirty minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the number of manatees and temperature.
We will take children age 3 and up on our tour, but we can accommodate all ages if you book a private tour.
You do not have to be a strong swimmer since the wetsuit will keep you buoyant; we also have swim noodles and snorkel vests if needed.
You are welcome to bring your own equipment. We maintain dive quality gear for your use if you don’t have your own. We can supply everything you need!
You are welcome to bring your camera, however if you are taking underwater pictures for commercial purposes you will have to contact the FWC for a permit. Our in water guides will also be taking photos and videos of your adventure that may be purchased at the end of your trip for $40.
Our experienced and knowledgeable guide will get in the water to ensure that you will be safe and staying within the rules set by the FWC. The guide will also take pictures throughout the trip that will be available after the tour.
All you will need is a bathing suit and a change of clothes and a towel. We highly recommend sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and bug spray for warmer days
If you cancel within 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 50% cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100% cancellation fee. Rain checks or refunds may be given if the captain cancels a trip due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will not be refunded.
While manatee season here in Crystal River is from November to April, we do have a resident population of 60-80 manatees that live around the area year round. Please be aware, however, that during the warmer months, manatees do not need to be right in the springs to survive, so we will have to spend some time looking for them and they may not be in super clear water. It's still an amazing experience though, because you'll get to experience our bay the same way the manatees do every day!
After we've had some amazing manatee time, and time permitting, we'll get you to one of our beautiful springs so we can show those off as well!